Rohinie Bisesar, accused in deadly Shoppers Drug Mart stabbing, hospitalized, court hears
CBC News | Posted: April 13, 2016 7:57 PM | Last Updated: April 13, 2016
News surprises everyone in court, including accused's lawyer
Rohinie Bisesar, who is accused of stabbing a woman to death inside a downtown Toronto Shoppers Drug Mart last December, missed a Wednesday court appearance because she's been hospitalized.
The 40-year-old faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with the stabbing death of Rosemarie Junor, 28, in the drugstore in downtown's PATH system.
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Bisesar was scheduled to appear in court via video, but a prison guard appeared instead and informed the judge that she's in hospital. That news surprised everyone at the Old City Hall court, including the prosecution and Bisesar's lawyer, David Burke.
The guard didn't release any details about what hospital Bisesar is in, nor why she's there.
Burke said he has had regular visits with his client during her detention at the Vanier Centre for Women, a correctional facility in Milton.
Bisesar's legal team declined to comment when asked by reporters if Bisesar's hospitalization was connected to her mental health.
Burke added, however, that his client's mental health is "something that's been in question."
Burke also wouldn't comment on whether or not Bisesar has undergone a psychiatric evaluation.
The judge ordered Bisesar to appear in court in person on Friday.
The Crown, meanwhile, requested a judicial pre-trial that would start on the morning of May 19.
No bail hearing has been set in Bisesar's case.